Ep 8. Suffer the Little Children

In Deadwood season 1 episode 8, entitled "Suffer the Little Children," tensions between different factions in the town continue to rise. The episode begins with a heated discussion between Al Swearengen and EB Farnum over the latter's failure to collect rent from the Chinese residents in town. Al is agitated as he believes the Chinese community is being used as a scapegoat for the recent murder of Wild Bill Hickok. Meanwhile, tensions between the newly arrived Rev. Smith and Al continue to escalate as the reverend becomes increasingly vocal about his disdain for the saloon owner's vices.

As the episode progresses, the death of a young boy puts a spotlight on the lack of medical facilities and services in Deadwood. Doc Cochran is called to attend to the boy, but his limited medical knowledge and resources leave him unable to save the child's life. The tragedy raises questions about the safety and well-being of children in the lawless town.

Elsewhere, tensions between Cy Tolliver and Alma Garret's camp continue to simmer as the two sides attempt to negotiate a deal for the Alma's gold claim. Cy's henchman, Joanie Stubbs, becomes more sympathetic towards Alma's plight as she sees the toll it's taking on the young widow.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the personal lives of some of the town's residents. Jane spends time with Joanie, sharing stories of her past and revealing her struggles with alcoholism. Meanwhile, Sol Star and Trixie continue their romantically charged relationship, but their happiness is threatened by Al's disapproval.

As tensions come to a head, the town is rocked by a shocking act of violence that will have far-reaching consequences for many of its residents. The episode ends on a somber note as the community comes to terms with the tragedy and its aftermath.

Overall, "Suffer the Little Children" is a tense and emotionally charged episode that explores the complex relationships and power struggles in Deadwood. It highlights the lack of safety and medical facilities for children and the vulnerability of many of the town's residents. The episode also sets up several key storylines that will continue to unfold throughout the series.